Op-Ed: sports and politics

By: Alex Diaz, Sports Editor

It was 1918, at Fenway Park. Game four of the World Series. The Boston Red Sox were battling the Chicago Cubs. As the seventh inning approached, echoes of “The Star-Spangled Banner” were heard throughout the stadium for the first time in history.

When NBC was interviewing San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy after the most recent Monday Night Football game, his teammate Nick Bosa jumped in front of the camera wearing a MAGA hat, pointing at it proudly. 

The intersection of sports and politics has long sparked intense debate among fans and commentators. Some firmly believe that these two domains should remain distinct, arguing that the purity of sports is compromised by political influence. 

Throughout history however, it is evident that sports and politics have continually intertwined in complex ways. If you hold the perspective that these realms shouldn’t overlap, it may be time to reflect on the concept of neutral ground and what it entails.

The National Anthem resonates throughout the vast expanse of America; it stirs emotions and unites people. For countless fans, its notes fill the air just before they settle into their ballgame seats. Some view the anthem as a solemn tribute to those who fought and sacrificed for the country, while others interpret it as a reflection of the diverse American experience.

In 2020,  Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban silently made the decision that the Mavericks would not play the anthem before their home games. This resulted in the anthem being absent from 13 consecutive preseason and regular-season games at the American Airlines Center.

In response to the sports publication of The New York Times, The Athletic, the NBA stated, “under the unique circumstances of this season, teams are permitted to run their pregame operations as they see fit.” This response came during a pivotal moment in the Black Lives Matter movement, when the league opted not to enforce the traditional rules mandating players stand during the national anthem. 

Instead, many professional athletes took a knee, using the platform to support the movement such as Eric Reid, former teammate of Colin Kaepernick, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, the Dallas Cowboys team, and former USA women’s soccer winger Megan Rapinoe. This decision not only highlighted the league’s awareness of social issues but also underscored the deeper problems of systemic racism that persist in sports and society as a whole.

Former quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers Kaepernick gained widespread attention in 2016 when he began kneeling during the anthem, raising awareness about racial injustice and police brutality. 

After the 2016 season, Kaepernick became a free agent but was not signed by any NFL team, which many believe resulted from his protests and the controversy surrounding them. He has since become an activist, focusing on social justice issues. The kneeling protest has had a lasting impact on not just sports but the world, inspiring many athletes to speak out on social issues.

Kaepernick’s activism sparked again after the brutal killing of George Floyd in 2020. The action sparked a national conversation and led to support and criticism from various groups, including fans, players, and political figures.

Even though sports want to remain unbiased and out of politics, the field enables it in many ways. Athletes often use their platforms to highlight social and political issues, galvanizing public opinion and inspiring broader movements. In addition, sponsorships are considered alongside influencing fans. Companies may support or oppose specific political causes, influencing athlete decisions and public perception.

Sporting events can evoke feelings of patriotism. National anthems, flags, and international competitions often coincide with national pride, which can be politically charged. However, another motive is media coverage of sports. Amplifying political messages, particularly when athletes engage in activism, can shift public awareness and provoke discussions on important issues.

Suppose politics were not intertwined with sports. No more national anthems to be sung, no more politicians throwing out the first pitch, and no more visits to the White House for sports teams because they won the World Series, the Superbowl, or the NBA championship.

Achieving political neutrality in sports requires completely separating from all political influences, not just the knee. If you believe the above have a place in the realm of sports, then you aren’t against politics in sports.